Ibuprofen Sanofi (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts systemically to reduce pain, fever and inflammation across several common conditions.

• Mild to moderate pain: relieves everyday aches such as headache, dental pain or musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory states.
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: diminishes joint inflammation and improves mobility.
• Dysmenorrhea: eases menstrual cramps and associated pelvic pain.

• Ibuprofen exerts its therapeutic effect by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes. This inhibition reduces the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, thereby decreasing the mediators responsible for pain, fever and inflammation at the site of tissue injury.

Adverse reactions may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dyspepsia or heartburn
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild rash or itching
• Elevated blood pressure in some patients

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome
• Acute renal impairment or failure
• Anaphylactic shock or severe allergic response
• Hepatic injury with jaundice
• Thrombotic events in high‑risk cardiovascular patients

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: adjust use in patients with existing kidney disease.
• Monitor gastrointestinal risk: co‑prescribe with food or protective agents when needed.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue immediately if allergic signs appear.
• Use caution with anticoagulants: increased risk of bleeding may occur.
• Pregnancy and lactation: consult a healthcare professional before use.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Ibuprofen can interact with several drug classes, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): heightened bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: increased ulceration potential.
• Lithium: elevated lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in renal function.
• Diuretics: may enhance renal adverse effects.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): modest increase in bleeding risk.
• Antihypertensives: potential attenuation of blood‑pressure control.
• Oral hypoglycemics: possible alteration of glucose control.